 Thorman led England last season |
Huddersfield stand-off Chris Thorman has made himself unavailable to play for England in the Federation Shield. Thorman, who led England against France and New Zealand last season, was omitted from Great Britain's squad for the Tri-Nations earlier this week.
"I decided some time ago that, if I wasn't going to be a part of the GB squad, I would take a break," he said.
The Federation Shield is a round-robin tournament in England also involving France, Samoa and Tonga.
The leading two teams will meet in the final at Widnes on 12 November.
Thorman said he had told GB coach Brian Noble that resting was a "better option" for him than playing in the lesser tournament.
New England coach Paul Cullen is set to name his squad after the Super League Grand Final on 14 October.
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